Alibaba co-founder Jack Ma has resumed direct involvement at the Chinese tech giant after years of public absence, spearheading aggressive moves in artificial intelligence and e-commerce competition.
China’s most recognizable entrepreneur, who vanished from public view during China's tech crackdown starting in late 2020, is now actively guiding strategy at Alibaba campuses for the first time in half a decade.
Ma played a decisive role in authorizing up to 50 billion yuan ($7 billion) in subsidies to counter JD.com's surprise market entry, signaling Alibaba's renewed offensive stance.
Yunfeng Capital co-founder's return coincides with internal MAGA, Make Alibaba Great Again, sentiments among employees as the company battles rivals JD.com and Meituan while pursuing AI leadership.
The founder's reemergence follows China's yearslong regulatory clampdown on tech firms that included antitrust investigations into e-commerce companies.
Ma's low-profile period began abruptly in late 2020 when he criticized China's financial regulatory system just days before Ant Group's planned IPO was suspended.
The world's largest retailer now appears to be leveraging its most recognizable leader to revitalize innovation and competitive ferocity.
The company's intensified focus on artificial intelligence and willingness to engage in subsidy wars reflects Ma's historical appetite for bold market moves and large-scale investments.
Industry analysts suggest Ma's return could signal improved relations with regulators and a potential shift in China's approach to its tech industry.